Joy Redefined

by Teresa Slack

When the Lord was handing out backbones, Joy Kessler was on the phone with the insurance company appealing a claim that was, of course, ultimately denied. After thirty-nine-years of trying to muster the nerve to stand up for herself, she's pretty much accepted that going after what she wants isn't worth the trouble. Joy dreams of redefining herself--as a mother, a wife, and a woman of courage. The only one who sees her potential is her neighbor and best friend Dorothea Westlake. With Dorothea in her corner, Joy can almost see herself as a lioness capable of impacting the world rather than a mouse no one respects. When a nephew Dorothea hasn't seen in twenty years moves in under the guise of working on a college dissertation, Joy's suspicions go into full alert. Why is Gunnar here and what does he want from his trusting aunt? Three days after his arrival, Dorothea disappears. As days turn into weeks with no sign of her friend, Joy becomes convinced something is terribly wrong.With no one taking her or her concerns seriously, Joy must uncover the truth on her own if she hopes to save Dorothea...and herself.Another Great Read by Teresa SlackJoy Redefined is a gripping suspenseful novel with a great character arc for Joy and for the members of her family. Joy grows in confidence and grace while solving a mystery and learning to stand up for herself and speak her mind. A real eye-opener for all who are tempted to go along to get along. ---author, Patty KyrlachLoved Seeing How Joy was RedefinedCould not quit reading this book once I started it! Full of mystery and suspense that kept me wanting to read more. Life lessons on how we ignore the real problem hoping it will be okay tomorrow until we finally face it with the strength that comes from our Father were so powerful. Great book! ---Linda FullerEnjoyable and Self-ExaminingI found myself looking forward to coming home from work and hoping I would have time to read more. As someone who isn't a reader I was amazed at losing myself for sometimes hours in the story. It has a great self-evaluation aspect and Proverbs 31 perspective. ---Pastor John CoyleFive StarsStand up for what you believe in, or else live with what you don't. ---Aryn the LibraryanI Thoroughly Enjoyed this BookThis book is a combination of a cozy mystery and a portrayal of spiritual growth in a meek wife, mom, and neighbor. Joy goes from a timid marshmallow to a lioness able to stand her ground. The growth is encouraging to witness. The spiritual truths are real and practically applied. The humor is clever. The mystery had me hooked. I didn't want to put this book down till I figured it out. ---Sarah G. TiptonGreat ReadI am a prolific reader of Christian fiction. With many of the books out there, it's the same story, different location, different names. In the first chapter you know just how it's going to end. This is NOT the case with this book. Teresa Slack does a great job of fleshing out her characters... In this book, Joy definitely does not fit the mold. Joy is a reluctant hero who really doesn't want to draw attention to herself. I really wasn't sure where the book was going and I loved that!! The character development and story line was outstanding. I would best compare Teresa's writing style to Angela Hunt or Terry Blackstock. ---Patricia E. Ramsey

Genres: Mystery

321 pages, Paperback

Published November 26, 2015

Reviews

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story about the spiritual growth of a woman who mistakenly thought of herself as a doormat due to inability to be confrontational. I found myself being very angry with all but two of the characters due to how they treated Joy. Through a very suspenseful mystery, Joy "redefines" herself and discovers the true meaning of a Proverbs 31 Woman. Very well written. I just had to keep reading to find out what happened next. Highly recommend. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Joyful · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Inspirational/suspense/love story of God's love

This Inspirational romance/suspense is an awesome read. To read and see how the growth in Joy's life as well as Scott's brings the family closer and changes the family structure makes one appreciate the love a parent has for their child. Parents aren't always right. Respect has to be earned. I loved this story, and I highly recommend this series and the author. I was given a copy for an honest review.

[Sarah Tipton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an engaging cozy mystery that had me hooked from the beginning. Joy is a meekly wife, mom, and neighbor with one close friend who has gone missing. I loved the spiritual transformation and biblical principles illustrated in this story. The character growth is interesting and realistic. Sprinkled with clever humor to keep my attention. This is a winner.

[Tanisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many emotions

The first half of this book irritated me immensely. The way Joy self deprecated and the way her family treated her was so not right, especially her husband. I almost stopped reading. I loved how Joy redefined herself and the ending.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

“‘Parenting won’t make you popular, Joy. You make enemies of the ones you love most.’ Fresh tears pushed at the back of my eyes. Parenting was the thing I wanted to succeed at most.”

Poor Joy! She got her wish to be a stay-at-home mom, but no one, and I mean NO ONE honored her.

In this story, we see her fight for what she believes in and grow her backbone. She deals with real issues, things friends of mine face daily—rebellious sons, a handsome and fit husband who doesn’t understand his mildly overweight wife, pushy parents.

In the middle of Joy’s challenges, her best friend disappears, and Joy is the only one to take the situation seriously. Enter the element of mystery.

It’s an engaging read that calls forth real faith from the characters. Having listened to my friends deal with similar issues, I’m not sure the resolution to such problems is as clear-cut as the author portrays.

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

one to be savored slowly

I ultimately enjoyed this book very much. It took awhile and I found myself getting very frustrated with Joy’s weakness and inability to stand up for herself. But I realized the writer did a great job of laying the groundwork for a totally believable transformation in Joy. Good plot, realistic family issues and relationships and an exciting and captivating plot. I can strongly recommend it. I plan to read up on her other books and will probably purchase others since I enjoyed this one so much.

[Ruth "CowgirlMama " Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can a mouse be a lion?

A book many housewives will empathize with, and some tips woven through the story on how to let your lioness show while still being a gracious, submissive, proverbs 31 woman.

[Cherene · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read

This book was well written and the characters really came to life. I like the way there was a older woman and younger woman and the trials of life being discussed at a very earthy level

[Bonnie Batts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Page Turner

I enjoyed the suspense and the determination of the main character. It was hard to put the book down. Highly recommend this book!

[Jorie Baltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyable & suspenseful

I thought I knew what was going to happen but was pleased with the ending. I liked the fact that being a proverbs 31 woman doesn’t mean we can be walked on.

[Marcy Radwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

what a great ride

I truly enjoyed this book it was hard to put it down . Also loved how through it all god revealed himself to the characters !

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. It is well written and an excellent mystery.

[Lillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joy grows in her spiritual life and her self-esteem as a child of God as she solves the mystery of her neighbor.